Tag Archives: winter

Pear Waldorf Salad

Andrea Slonecker By on

During those weeks between the holidays at this time of year, a crunchy, fresh salad with a wintery undertone is just what we crave. The Waldorf Salad may be traditionally made with apples, but we love it with the soft, seductive sweetness of ripe pears. Instead of gloppy mayonnaise, we toss crisp celery and fennel, toasted walnuts, grapes, and those succulent pears with Greek yogurt for a tangy take. Fresh herbs and sunflower seeds add texture and a modern feel. Serve the salad spooned into butter lettuce or radicchio leaves, or scoop it up with warm pita bread for a light and simple lunch. Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 2 ripe USA Red Anjou Pears, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, reserving fronds, cored, and sliced 3 ribs celery with leaves, stalks sliced and leaves Continue reading →

Make Time for You

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

I have an influx of stressed calls and emails this time of year, mostly from clients and students trying to manage health and holiday stress at the same time. I know how frustrating this time of year is, I struggle with the same problem! Don’t fret, there are simple solutions to help you have a healthy holiday season. First, make a schedule and stick to it. I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it, if you schedule time for exercise, food preparation, and sleep and you follow the schedule, you’re better equipped to take care of yourself and manage stress. Second, eat before events and move away from the treat table! At my friends’ parties, we always stand around the food, chatting and snacking. This is such a hard habit to break, but if you eat ahead Continue reading →

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

This winter has been one of the coldest, snowiest I can remember! I don’t like being cold, so I spent this past weekend watching a movie marathon while 10 inches of snow fell outside. And… now it’s official: I have the winter doldrums. But, nothing can fix this cabin fever like a little exercise! Today I’m planning to be active, won’t you join me? Exercise boosts endorphins, chemicals that trigger feel-good emotions in your brain. Likewise, exercise focuses the brain and relieves stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disruptions that lead to more stress. While we still have this snow, I’m planning to pull out my sturdier running shoes for a short snow run – I feel less impact on my knees. Walking releases stress, too, and allows me and my doggie to enjoy the loveliness of the winter wonderland! Perhaps Continue reading →

Tangy Braised Cabbage with Pears

Hilary By on

Here is a great side dish for winter dinner menus. If it has never occurred to you to use cabbage for anything other than coleslaw, give this recipe a try. The cabbage becomes wonderfully tender as it cooks, and the tanginess from the balsamic vinegar alongside the sweetness of the pears is really a thing to behold. This dish is excellent alongside a whole roasted chicken or with Braised Pork with Pears and Sherry Vinegar. Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium sweet onion, halved, peeled, and cut into thin half-rings 1 medium head red cabbage, cored and cut into approximately 2 inch pieces Salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 bay leaf 2 firm ripe USA Pears, such as Bosc or Anjou Directions Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot Continue reading →

Keep Moving!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

With chilly weather sweeping the nation, it’s easy to stay inside and put exercise on the back burner. Although that’s certainly a good idea if it’s icy or the weather is too cold to exercise safely, after a few days it’s important to get moving again! To put this in perspective, consider these benefits of moving during cold weather. Prevent weight gain. Especially with the holidays approaching and the abundance of winter comfort foods, moving more can counteract excess calories consumed. Prevent seasonal depression. When I’m stuck inside for too long, I notice I get the blues (and cabin fever!). Getting out for a brisk walk, hike, or snowshoe helps clear the mind and increase endorphins that improve mood. Reduce stress and sleep better! This time of year is rife with stress, but moving more can balance stress and reduce Continue reading →

National Hot Tea Month

Brittany By on

That’s right—January is National Hot Tea Month! And there couldn’t be a more fitting time. It’s warmed up a bit here recently, but I’m still drinking cups of hot tea at my desk all day just to stay warm. If you like to get a bit more creative in the kitchen, check out the following recipes for inspiration. Back in August, we put five food bloggers to the test. Their task? To pair USA Pears with Tazo tea in an original (and tasty!) recipe. Here are the results: Pears in Sweet Tea Syrup by Coconut & Lime OK, so this isn’t technically “hot” tea, but you get the idea. As Rachel of Coconut & Lime says, “[This is] the quintessential summer drink.” File this one away for summer, I say! Cinnamon Pear Dumplings with Ginger Tea Syrup by Eat, Live, Continue reading →

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

It’s the dead of winter, and I mean dead – it was -7˚ in Denver last night! A blanket of snow and silence has descended on the city, the streets are slick with ice, and the thought of going outside is only a thought. Winter is sometimes hard for me; I like warm weather, playing outdoors day and night, and eating the fresh, zesty foods of summer. Cold weather makes life just a little bit harder… going to work is more of a chore, there are more excuses not to exercise or even leave the house, and cooking usually includes more frozen and flavorless choices. And let’s face it, winter is a time when many of us neglect our health and gain weight. Eating nutritious foods that energize the body and finding time to exercise is just as important during Continue reading →